Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

The Tamang Heritage Trail is one of the many fascinating trekking trails in Nepal, The trail offers new heights in exhilaration. Situated in the Langtang Region in north central Nepal, the route presents a combination of spectacular Himalayan views, historical and cultural heritage, and an experience of Tamang and Tibetan cultures.

The newly developed walking trail starts from Syaphrubesi, which is a daylong (about 132 kilometres) bus journey from Kathmandu to the north. The trek lasts eight days. Beginning from Syaphrubesi, the route passes through Goljung, Gatlang, Chilime, Tatopani, Rasuwagadhi and Briddim and ends at Syaphrubesi.

One can gain a unique experience while trekking along this trail, as it offers the opportunities to see Tamang rituals, Tibetan culture, religious festivals, traditional architecture, exotic costumes and Syabru dances. There is a view point at Goljung Pass, from where views of Langtang and Kyirong (China) can be seen. Visitors can watch Syabru, Mane and other local dances at Goljung and Gatlang.

The trail has been developed by the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP), a pilot programme run by the Government of Nepal with the technical and financial support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Department for International Development and SNV/Nepal.

The villages also sell handicraft i9841tems like traditional caps, mufflers and other things. In the cold weather of Rasuwa, tourists can enjoy a hot bath in the healing hot water springs at Tatopani before reaching Nagthali hill (3,300 metres). Visits to monasteries and houses adorned with rich wood carvings at Thuman are other highlights of the trip.

Trekkers can enjoy home-stay accommodation in Briddim village. Dominated by the Tibetan culture, the village has also been known as a homestay village both at national and international levels. The villagers provide lodging and fooding in their houses on a rotational basis. The host family provides clean beds, toilet and a family dining room. Trekking gear is also available for those interested in walking to nearby Gotheghang and Pangsang.

The Tibetan Buddhist village is located at an elevation of 2,229 metres in the bosom of Langtang Himal. Most of the village’s 43 houses are made of stone and have roofs of slate.

Travelers stay with the host family, eating traditional food and sleeping in their home. The menu usually consists of rice, Tibetan bread, syakpa (Sherpa stew), potato, Tibetan tea and Briddim wine. Visitors can also observe the local rituals and cultural practices with the host family and go on village walks to see the lifestyle and customs of the local residents. In the evening, the local people put on traditional costumes and perform dances in honor of the visitors.

The local inhabitants are Tamangs. Their culture is largely marked by Tibetan influences. Briddim is a living museum reflecting traditional Tamang culture and lifestyle. The major festivals celebrated in the village are Dawa Dangbo Chhiju (in February), Chuwa Chhiju (November), Yarsang (early June), Dukpa Chhiju (August) and Lhosar (February). Syabru and Mane dances are performed during festive occasions. The Tamangs engage in rearing livestock, farming and trading with Kyirong.

Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Upon arrival the guests would be received by our representatives and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu
Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Day 03:Kathmandu – Syaphrubensi (1467m)
Drive to Syphrubensi from Kathmandu via Trishuli and Dhunche. After completing the drive of about 7-8 hours, we will reach Syaphrubensi and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 04: Syaphrubensi – Gatlang (2238m)
Trek to Goljung and Gatlang from Syphrubensi. It takes about 5-6 hours to cover the distance between Syphrubensi and Gatlang. The trail trail passes through Goljung village. Experience the traditional Tamang culture and lifestyle and have panoramic view of Mt. Langtang and other mountain peaks. Walk along the villages and see cultural shows at Goljung and Gatlang. Overnight stay at community lodge or tented camp at Gatlang village.

Day 05:Gatlang – Tatopani (2607m)
Trek to Tatopani from Gatlang. On the way, we can have a panoramic view of the Langtang range and Ganesh Himal. After completing 5-6 hours of streneous trekking, we will reach Tatopani (about 2,600m). We will take a bath in the hot spring.

Day 06:Tatopani – Thuman (2338m)
Trek to Thuman via Nagthali. We will pass through a dense alpine forest before reaching Bringdang village, a typical Tamang settlement. After having a close mountain view and observing the village life, we will have to go uphill to reach the Nagthali hill. The hill is quite rich in biodiversity and is also a suitable place to have spectacular view of mountains. Then, we will descend along a forest trail, where we may see wildlife such as deer and monkeys.
After completing about 5 hours of trek, we will reach Thuman village. We will oberve Tamang cultural show and staty overnight at homestay accommodations.

Day 07:Thuman – Rasuwagadi (1814m) – Timure (1762m)
Trek to Rasuwagadhi via Timure and return to Timure.We can complete today’s trek within five hours. We will have to walk along the Bhote Khola, the biggest tributary of the Trishuli river to get in the historic site of Rasuwagadhi. The site is located on Nepal-Tibet border. We will enjoy the scenic beauty and Tibeto-Burman Tamang culture in Rasuwagadhi and Timure. Overnight stay at local lodges at Timure.

Day 08: Timure – Briddim (2229m)
Trek to Briddim from Timure: Today, we will trek for six hours. We will walk along the banks of the Bhote Khola. As we reach Briddim, we will observe cultural shows presented by the local community. We will experience a unique hospitality of homestay.

Day 09:Briddim – Syaphrubensi
After breakfast, we will visit the local monastery and have a scenic view. Since the village is close a beautiful forest, we can watch various species of birds. We can also be familiar with the culture and lifestyale of the local people. After having lunch, we will head towards Syphrubensi via Wangel. We will reach Syphrubensi in about three hours. Stay overnight at local hotels or lodges.